Michael J. Desiderio Sr., local restaurateur

Michael J. Desiderio Sr. of West Seneca, a local restaurateur, died Tuesday while in hospice care at Buffalo General Hospital. He was 86.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Desiderio was in the food business nearly all of his life. He owned and operated Desiderio’s Restaurant on William Street in Cheektowaga from 1968 to 1989. During its years of operation, the restaurant flourished, growing from a pizzeria to a full-service restaurant that hosted banquets and dinner theater. He also was a chef with expertise in fruit and produce.

Mr. Desiderio was active in several trade associations in the food service and hospitality industries. He was an avid traveler who had visited Europe on numerous occasions.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, the former Catherine “Kay” Punturiero; a daughter, Linda Volansky; five sons, Michael Jr., Lawrence, Vincent, Jay and Robert; and nine grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday in St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2950 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park.